Showcasing creativity and storytelling, the CinemaAlab Short Film Festival 2026 was held on April 21, 2026, as part of this year’s CommFair celebration, carrying the theme “Empowered Connections through Regenerative and Borderless Connections.”
The festival featured two separate screening blocks, Set A and Set B, presenting original short films produced by Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BAComm) students. Screenings began at 3:00 PM and concluded at 7:00 PM, drawing students, faculty, and film enthusiasts into a shared cinematic experience.
Set A included “Dolores,” directed by Glydel Reyes from BAComm 1A; “Tayo, Kahit Saan,” directed by BAComm 1B student Lawrence Pelaez; “Pagsibol,” directed by BAComm 2B student John Lloyd Rovira; and “Kung Babae Ka Lang,” written and directed by Christian Malaluan.
Meanwhile, Set B showcased “Wag Ako, Please” by BAComm 3B student Paulien Rhaine Baluyot; “Ligaho,” a BAComm 2A entry directed by Jann Enzo Lapiz; and “LOBO,” directed by BAComm 1A student Shady Shawn Guarino.
The entries followed the festival’s sub-theme, “Embers Without Borders: Stories Beyond Digital Horizons,” reflecting diverse narratives and innovative approaches to filmmaking among students.
For first-time participant Glydel Reyes, the experience was both challenging and fulfilling. “Hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip na sumali dahil bilang aspiring film director, ang pagkakataong mapanood ang film ko sa big screen ay isang napakalaking parangal,” she shared, emphasizing the honor of seeing her work screened publicly. Despite production struggles, Reyes expressed that the journey was worth it, noting that the project allowed her to showcase her abilities and dreams as a director.
Similarly, fellow filmmaker Shady Shawn Guarino described the festival as a milestone. “A dream come true… everyone’s entry for CinemaAlab 2026 was impressive,” he said, highlighting both the quality of the films and the significance of presenting their work on a big screen for the first time.
Beyond the filmmakers, audience members also felt the impact of the event. Third-year BA Communication student Cristine Taclan described CinemaAlab as “one of the best memories and experiences I’ve ever had as a comm student,” adding that watching the entries rekindled her passion for filmmaking.
The films were evaluated by a panel of jurors composed of former College of Arts and Sciences instructor Mr. John Calvin Sandoval, BA Communication alumna Ms. Aizel Tallada, and entrepreneur Mr. Jerwinn Ching, bringing both academic and industry perspectives to the selection process.
Originally conceptualized as a culminating activity for the BAComm course Introduction to Film, CinemaAlab has since evolved into a major highlight of CommFair. Now on its third iteration, the festival continues to serve as a platform for emerging storytellers to present their voices and creative visions.
Through its growing scale and impact, CinemaAlab 2026 not only celebrated student filmmaking but also strengthened the culture of collaboration and artistic expression within the BA Communication community.
Photos:
by KB DELIZO
